JEFFERSON CITY, MO – The Missouri Senate debated and passed a bill today that would
bring residents one step closer to being able to add their cell phone numbers
and fax numbers to the state’s No-Call List. The measure is sponsored by Sen.
Scott T. Rupp, R-Wentzville. The bill also protects those on the No-Call List
from automated phone calls that are popular during election cycles. Rupp said
the aim of Senate
Bill 65 is to end unsolicited advertising that can actually cost the
recipients money.

“These
annoying, unwanted calls and text messages are costing Missourians money because
they are having to pay for these calls and text messages they don’t want on
their cell phones, as well as having to pay for the paper, ink and other costs
of receiving a fax,” he said. “Missourians should no longer have to foot the
cost for these unsolicited ads.”

The
bill covers phone calls and text messages to cell phones used for personal
purposes as well as residential faxes. Rupp said many people receive calls,
texts and even stacks of faxed advertisements.

The
measure also prohibits automated phone calls, including political ones, to
residents registered on the No-Call List. Any political committee making calls
must register with the Missouri Ethics Commission, while non-committees or
businesses making calls on a candidate's behalf must register with both the
commission and Secretary of State.

Senate Leader Charlie Shields, R-St.
Joseph, supports the bill. He said hundreds of consumers made official
complaints about these types of calls during the November 2006 election.
Thousands of other Missourians have been harassed by these types of
calls.

“Consumers have asked to be protected from these
disruptive intrusions in their daily lives and they deserve to be,” Shields
said. “People have a right to know who is making and paying for the calls, and
we make those who break the law pay with this bill that we hope will advance in
the House as well.”

Violators could be fined up to $5,000 for each violation.

The
bill needs a second vote of approval before moving to the House for similar
consideration. To track the bill, visit www.senate.mo.gov
- "key word" search for SB65&43.